In other news

The US House Oversight Committee and the Treasury Department have launched investigations into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's handling of a $1 billion food aid fraud scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme, known as the Feeding Our Future scandal, involved funneling money from state social services to nonprofits, which were then used for lavish lifestyles rather than feeding school children. The investigations were prompted by allegations that Walz failed to act on warnings about the fraud and instead retaliated against whistleblowers. The Treasury Department has already convicted 59 fraudsters, and the House Oversight Committee has the power to issue subpoenas and refer alleged crimes to the Department of Justice.

The New York Giants suffered an embarrassing 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots, exposing their weaknesses and futility. The team allowed 30 points in the first half for the first time since 2009 and struggled with penalties, turnovers, and special teams issues. The loss has raised concerns about the team's future, with interim head coach Mike Kafka and general manager Joe Schoen facing scrutiny.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been criticized for his handling of a $1 billion fraud scheme involving Somali immigrants who set up sham nonprofits to exploit the state's welfare system. Critics accuse Walz of ignoring the issue and retaliating against whistleblowers to avoid offending the state's Somali voting bloc. The fraud scheme involved dozens of individuals and nonprofits, including one called 'Feeding Our Future,' which faked feeding thousands of children. Federal prosecutors have convicted 59 scammers, with dozens more charged. The article argues that Walz's progressive ideology prioritized avoiding offense over sound fiscal management and good governance.

The New York Mets have signed reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal. Williams, 31, was acquired by the Yankees in a trade from Milwaukee last year but struggled, losing the closer role. He is reuniting with David Stearns, the former Brewers GM, and is expected to be a key addition to the Mets' bullpen. The signing is part of the Mets' busy offseason, which has included coaching staff changes and trades. Williams' arrival doesn't necessarily mean the end for Edwin Díaz, who opted out of his contract and is a free agent.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a new policy starting February 1, 2026, charging passengers $45 if they arrive at airport checkpoints without an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or Real ID. The fee, which was initially proposed at $18, was increased due to higher-than-expected expenses for new technology and operational costs. Passengers without acceptable ID will be able to complete identification steps online and pay the fee, receiving an email confirmation valid for 10 days. The process is expected to take 10-15 minutes but may take longer. The TSA emphasizes that identity verification is crucial for traveler safety, and the fee is nonrefundable and not guaranteed.

A former New Jersey police officer, Rebecca Sayegh, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a home invasion where she attacked her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. As a result, she has forfeited her job and is barred from working in law enforcement in New Jersey. Sayegh, 32, broke into her ex-boyfriend's home in Berkeley, New Jersey, on April 25, using her baton to smash through the front door, and got into an argument with the victims before being restrained by police. She is expected to serve 180 days in jail as part of her probation and pay restitution for the damages she caused, which totaled around $2,500. Sayegh's guilty plea comes after she was suspended without pay from the Toms River Township Police Department, where she had worked for nine years. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 26, 2026.

Olivia Nuzzi's new book 'American Canto' reveals details about her alleged affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom she met while interviewing him for New York Magazine during his 2024 presidential campaign. The book describes Kennedy's obsessive behavior, use of hallucinogenic drugs, and intimate conversations. Nuzzi claims Kennedy wanted to impregnate her and was possessive, but their affair was not consummated. The relationship ended abruptly when it became public, with Kennedy asking Nuzzi to take the blame and threatening to call the FBI on her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza.

The article discusses a special election in Tennessee's 7th District, where Republican Matt Van Epps is facing off against far-left candidate Aftyn Behn. Despite the district's Republican lean and Behn's extreme views, recent polling shows her within striking distance of winning. The article warns that Republican complacency and lack of turnout operation may be to blame, as Democrats are highly motivated and angry. The outcome of this election could be a warning to Republicans ahead of next year's midterms, highlighting the importance of being 'hungry' to win.

The article provides a guide to eight blind items in Olivia Nuzzi's book 'American Canto', which details her alleged sexting affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Post attempts to identify the individuals behind the blind items, including Uma Thurman, Nicole Shanahan, Mary Richardson Kennedy, Kara Swisher, David Haskell, and Ryan Lizza.

The article discusses the recent violent incidents on public transportation in various cities across the US, including the murder of Iryna Zarutska on a commuter train in Charlotte, NC. The author argues that soft-on-crime judges and lawmakers are responsible for the rise in violent crimes, as they often release repeat offenders back onto the streets. The article highlights 'Iryna's Law' in North Carolina, which aims to restrict cashless bail, increase mental evaluations, and make it easier to involuntarily commit offenders. The author calls for other states to adopt similar reforms and for greater accountability among judges and lawmakers.

A US appeals court has ruled that Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, is unlawfully serving as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey. The court found that her appointment bypassed Senate confirmation, violating the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. Habba was handpicked by Trump for the role earlier this year after a district court rejected her nomination. The ruling is likely to affect numerous criminal cases in New Jersey and is the second time a Trump-appointed prosecutor has been disqualified in recent weeks. Habba has been representing Trump in various legal matters, including his hush-money trial in New York.

The Honduran presidential election is in a state of uncertainty as the two leading candidates, Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla, are locked in a 'technical tie' with a margin of just 515 votes separating them. The electoral commission has called for patience, but the lack of updates has led to growing tensions and confusion among voters. The US President, Donald Trump, has intervened, claiming the count has 'abruptly stopped' and accusing officials of trying to change the results. Voters are anxious to avoid an extended period of uncertainty or legal challenges, having experienced violent protests following a disputed election in 2017. The candidates represent different visions for Honduras, with Nasralla promising to end corruption and Asfura seeking to restore his party's reputation after recent scandals.

The Italian town of Pesaro has faced backlash after constructing a Christmas ice rink around a statue of the late opera star Luciano Pavarotti, leaving it knee-deep in ice. Pavarotti's widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, expressed her anger and upset at the decision, calling it a 'ridicule' of her late husband. The town's mayor, Andrea Biancani, apologized for the offense caused, admitting that his council had 'made a mistake'. The statue was unveiled in April 2024 in the presence of Mantovani and their daughter. The incident has sparked controversy, with Mantovani stating that she didn't expect a town where Pavarotti was an honorary citizen to treat his memory in such a manner.

Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan, appeared in a pre-trial hearing where his lawyers challenged the admissibility of key evidence, including a gun and notebook containing a motive. The defence team argued that the evidence was obtained illegally and should be excluded from the trial. The prosecution countered that there are exceptions to constitutional rules that may cover this case, making it unlikely that the evidence will be excluded. The hearing is expected to last several days and may preview trial testimony from law enforcement.

Gunmen have abducted at least 20 people, including a pastor and a new bride, in two separate attacks in Nigeria's Kogi and Sokoto states. The attacks are the latest in a wave of kidnappings targeting schools, places of worship, and rural communities. While it is unclear who is behind the kidnappings, analysts believe they are carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom payments, although a presidential spokesman attributes them to jihadist groups. The abductions have renewed concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities and added pressure on authorities to bolster protection.

A landslide struck two boats docked at a river port in Peru's Amazon rainforest region, killing at least 12 people and leaving around 50 missing. The incident occurred at around 05:00 local time on Monday as passengers were set to disembark at Iparia, in the country's central Ucayali region. The landslide, caused by erosion of the Ucayali River bank, sank a ferry and seriously damaged another passenger vessel. Rescue operations are ongoing, with national police and the Peruvian Navy searching for survivors. The injured have been taken to hospital, and authorities are working with families at the scene to determine the number of people still missing. The passengers included children, teachers, and doctors traveling to riverside communities.

The Indian government has mandated that all new smartphones sold in the country come pre-loaded with a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi. The app is designed to help citizens verify the authenticity of their handsets and report suspected misuse of telecom resources. However, the move has sparked concerns among cyber experts and advocacy groups about potential privacy breaches and surveillance. The app requires broad permissions, which could allow it to access a wide range of user data. Smartphone makers have 90 days to comply with the order, but some, like Apple, are reportedly resistant to the idea. The government claims the app has helped recover over 700,000 lost phones, but critics argue that making it non-removable and non-disableable undermines user privacy and security safeguards.

US President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of David Gentile, a former investment manager who was serving a seven-year prison sentence for fraud. Gentile was convicted last year for misrepresenting the performance of private equity funds and defrauding over 10,000 investors. The commutation comes despite the Department of Justice's claims that Gentile's company, GPB Capital, was built on a 'foundation of lies' and made $1.6bn while using investor capital to pay distributions to other investors. The White House argued that investors were aware that their money could be used to pay other investors' dividends, contradicting the Department of Justice's characterization of the scheme as a Ponzi scheme. Gentile's co-defendant, Jeffry Schneider, is due to report to prison in January. Trump's commutation does not clear Gentile of his crimes, but rather allows him to avoid serving the remainder of his sentence.

The article discusses China's property market crisis and the government's efforts to stabilize it. Despite the Communist Party of China's resolution to address the issue in September 2024, the market continues to worsen. The article highlights the challenges faced by the government in resolving the crisis and notes that the top leaders, who make up only 0.00002% of the party's members, do not always get their way. The property market's downturn is a significant concern for the country, and the government's remedies have been inadequate. The article also touches on the broader economic implications of the crisis and the need for effective solutions.

The Danish postal service, PostNord, is ending its letter collection and delivery service after 400 years, marking a significant shift in the country's communication habits. The decision is attributed to the decline in letter mail due to digital communication. The move is expected to be followed by other European postal services. The article highlights the impact of this change on individuals and the postal service itself, citing an example of a family that has seen the removal of post boxes in their neighborhood over the years.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. The content is blocked by a 'Verify you are human' check by Cloudflare, indicating that the website, www.economist.com, is reviewing the security of the connection before proceeding. As a result, the actual article content about solving the affordability crisis is not available for analysis.

The article discusses the emerging trilateral leadership in Europe, comprising French President Emmanuel Macron, German leader Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Despite struggling with domestic issues, the trio has been actively engaged in European diplomacy, particularly in response to the Ukrainian conflict and America's 28-point peace plan. They have coordinated their efforts, dispatching national-security advisers to meet with American and Ukrainian delegations. This new leadership is seen as a significant development in European politics, as Europe navigates its relationships with America and Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to reform India's labor market by removing socialist employment restrictions that have hindered the growth of industries. Currently, over 95% of industrial firms employ fewer than ten workers, and many others exactly 99, indicating a pattern of restriction. The manufacturing workforce is also characterized by a high percentage of contract labor. Modi's plans aim to free up India's giant labor force and make it more competitive.

The article discusses how self-driving cars, specifically robotaxis, are poised to transform urban economies by changing how residents move around cities. As autonomous vehicles spread and develop, they will operate under different constraints than human-driven cars, reshaping cities in the process. The impact is expected to be more dramatic than any change since the invention of the automobile over a century ago.

Switzerland held a referendum on introducing a 50% federal inheritance tax on the super-rich, with the funds to be used to fight climate change. The proposal was rejected by a significant majority of 78% to 22%. The tax would have applied to heirs of assets worth 50m francs ($62m) or more and would have been the country's first inheritance tax at the federal level. Currently, 24 of the country's 26 cantons impose inheritance taxes at various lower rates. The rejection of the tax is seen as a victory for the country's billionaires, who threatened to flee if there was another attempt to introduce the tax.

A huge sports gambling scandal has erupted in Turkey involving referees and football clubs. An opposition politician alleges that a large bet was placed on a player being sent off during a game, which paid off when the player received a red card. Turkish authorities are investigating the matter, highlighting the alleged corruption in Turkish football.

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Tuesday as South Korean auto companies rose after the U.S. confirmed lower auto tariffs, while Japan's Nikkei 225 was flat and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose slightly. The U.S. equity futures were little changed after a crypto sell-off dented market sentiment. Bitcoin plunged around 6% to trade below $86,000, and other crypto-related stocks fell. Shares of artificial intelligence-related names also declined. South Korea's inflation rate remained unchanged at 2.4% year on year in November, supporting the case for the central bank to keep interest rates on hold.

European stocks are expected to open lower on Tuesday as regional markets struggle to find momentum in December. The U.K.'s FTSE index is expected to open 0.12% lower, Germany's DAX flat, France's CAC 40 down 0.16%, and Italy's FTSE MIB just below the flatline. Investors are expecting the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut interest rates when it meets on Dec. 9-10, with traders pricing in an 87.2% chance of a quarter-point rate cut. The Bank of England is closely monitoring the Fed for potential spillover effects. In corporate news, German biotech giant Bayer won support from the Trump administration to curb U.S. litigation related to its Roundup weedkiller.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has released its Financial Stability Review, warning that the current high valuations of global stocks, particularly those related to AI, may be driven by fear of missing out (FOMO). The ECB notes that the market is vulnerable to sharp adjustments due to the concentration among a small group of US hyperscalers. Strategists remain optimistic about big AI names, but caution against getting swept up in the FOMO. The ECB's review highlights potential risks to financial stability, including the possibility of a market correction if technology sector earnings fail to deliver on expectations. Experts are divided on whether there is an AI-fueled investment bubble, with some warning of a potential bubble and others seeing continued growth potential.

The AI boom is causing a shortage of components, including chips, memory, and storage devices, which could lead to price rises for consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops. Nvidia's shift to using Low-Power Double Data Rate (LPDDR) memory in its products is exacerbating the issue, as it is also used by high-end consumer electronics makers. Analysts warn that the shortage could last two to three years, and that prices for memory chips could rise by 30% in the fourth quarter and another 20% in early 2026. Companies such as Xiaomi and Dell have warned about the impact of the shortage, with Xiaomi expecting a 'sizeable rise in product retail prices'.

Samsung has launched its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, as competition in the foldable market intensifies with Chinese brands and Apple's expected entry. The device features a 10-inch inner display, three foldable panels, and advanced software capabilities. The phone will be available in South Korea on December 12 and in the US in early 2026, priced at $2,449. Samsung aims to reinforce its technology leadership with this device, which is designed to test durability, hinge design, and software performance.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed support for H-1B visas, stating that the US has benefited from Indian talent, but noted that some companies have misused the program. Musk also criticized the Trump administration's tariff policy, saying it distorts markets and hindered his attempts to dissuade Trump from implementing tariffs. In a podcast, Musk discussed various topics, including the future of work, energy, and cryptocurrencies.

Schroders' head of multi-asset income Dorian Carrell suggests that convertible bonds are a low-risk way to invest in AI, citing their high risk-return profile and potential for upside with limited downside. Carrell notes that convertible bonds have risen around 15% this year and are an underdiscussed asset class. He highlights that big tech firms like Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon have raised debt to fund AI efforts, and suggests that Europe looks stable while Asia offers cheaper 'picks and shovels' for AI investments. Carrell advises broadening investment portfolios by asset class and region.

Over 1,900 flights between China and Japan have been cancelled in December due to a diplomatic spat between the two nations over Taiwan. The cancellations represent more than 40% of the scheduled flights for the month. Tensions escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could deploy military forces in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing issued a travel warning, and several Chinese airlines offered refunds on Japan-bound flights, leading to hundreds of thousands of Chinese travellers cancelling their trips.

The diplomatic feud between Beijing and Tokyo is affecting Japan's appeal to Chinese wealth and talent. Chinese investors are selling property in Japan, and parents are questioning the safety of sending their children to study there due to escalating tensions sparked by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. This has led to a surge in profit-taking on property and rising pessimism over immigration, with the chill extending to business visits and education.

A diplomatic clash between China and Japan has escalated at the United Nations over recent remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong has sent a second letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, describing Takaichi's comments as the 'greatest challenge' to bilateral ties and urging Tokyo to retract them. Fu warned that if Japan does not retract its statements and reaffirm the one-China principle, it should 'bear all the consequences.' Takaichi had stated that an attack on Taiwan could be seen as a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan, potentially justifying military action alongside US forces. Despite weeks of boycotts from Beijing, Takaichi has refused to retract her remarks.

A confrontation occurred between Chinese and Japanese coastguard ships near the disputed Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. The incident happened amid heightened tension between the two countries, following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that angered Beijing. The Chinese coastguard claimed to have driven away a Japanese fishing boat, while the Japanese coastguard said they had intercepted and driven away two Chinese coastguard vessels that approached a Japanese fishing boat. Both sides gave conflicting accounts of the incident. The Chinese coastguard reiterated that the Diaoyu Islands are inherent Chinese territory and urged Japan to cease all infringements and provocative activities in the area.

The article highlights seven key stories from Asia reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) over the past week. These include the widening corruption scandal involving the Marcos family in the Philippines, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim facing challenges after his coalition's loss in Sabah's state election, and Singapore emerging as an alternative destination for Chinese travelers who are avoiding Japan due to diplomatic tensions. Other stories covered various political and social issues across Asia.

The article discusses the rise of craft beer in China as consumers become more budget-conscious and seek 'wallet-friendly' alternatives to traditional spirits and premium wines. Despite economic uncertainty, craft beer has proven resilient, with production growing year on year in 2025. Consumers are driving demand for premium, high-quality beers with unique flavors, justifying higher prices. The industry is adapting to this trend through 'premiumisation', developing products with perceived higher quality and price.

A recent academic study has argued that the United States played a critical role in the lead-up to the 1962 border war between China and India. The study, based on declassified US documents, suggests that Washington's policies during the Cold War, including its stance on Tibet, contributed to the conflict. The research highlights the ongoing sensitivity of the border issue between China and India, which has been a major point of contention between the two nations.

An Australian high school teacher, Karly Rae, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy on multiple occasions near Newcastle, New South Wales. Rae, 37, who gave birth eight weeks prior to the court hearing, initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea last month. The abuse occurred in October 2024 and involved communication on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. Rae's attorney argued for priority in her case due to her recent motherhood. The court has scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 25, where a sentencing assessment report will be considered. Rae remains on bail despite being accused of serious crimes including possessing child abuse material and perverting the course of justice.

NATO is considering more aggressive tactics against Russia's hybrid threats, according to Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of NATO's military committee. Dragone stated that the alliance is evaluating whether to be 'proactive instead of reactive,' including the possibility of 'preemptive' cyber or sabotage operations. Russia has responded negatively, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling Dragone's comments 'an extremely irresponsible step.' NATO officials say they face daily cyberattacks, information operations, and targeting of critical infrastructure from Moscow. The warnings come amid a series of sabotage incidents in late 2024 and increased tensions between NATO and Russia.

Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon, a country with a history of religious tolerance, to promote interfaith coexistence and peace. He met with Christian, Muslim, and Druze leaders, praising Lebanon's tradition of religious tolerance as a beacon of hope for the conflict-torn region. The Pope's visit came at a time of heightened tensions and economic crisis in Lebanon, and he urged Christians to stay in the country. He also prayed at the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf, a saint revered by both Christians and Muslims, and attended a rally of Lebanese youth.

President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social regarding Syria and Israel, expressing his support for Syria's transformation into a prosperous state and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong dialogue between Syria and Israel. He praised the new Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, for working towards a prosperous relationship between the two countries. The statement comes after Israel conducted an operation in Syria, resulting in the apprehension of suspects and the injury of several Israeli reservists. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the importance of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip during a phone call.

The UK's local authorities have significantly increased their use of drones, raising concerns about surveillance and privacy. More than 60 councils have hired staff certified to operate aerial drones, with at least a dozen others seeking guidance to launch similar programs. Critics warn that the technology could be used for 'spies in the sky' tactics, further eroding civil liberties in a nation already heavily surveilled by CCTV cameras. While drones can support legitimate tasks like flood monitoring and land surveys, experts caution that safeguards are needed to prevent their use for intrusive monitoring or watching lawful protests. Some councils, like Sunderland, are already operating drone fleets for various purposes, including crime detection and environmental rule enforcement.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR) and its impact on local tourism and economy. The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, investors, and businesses, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. While the railway has boosted tourism and created new opportunities, it has also raised concerns about the distribution of benefits, cultural heritage, and the dominance of Chinese businesses. Local operators feel that the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with Chinese businesses controlling much of the tourism ecosystem.

The article discusses how climate change is affecting Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods and storms. This has resulted in many young people, like 24-year-old Md Emran Hosain, leaving their homes and families to work abroad in countries like Singapore to rebuild their lives and support their families. The article highlights the devastating impact of climate change on Bangladesh's agrarian economy and the displacement of people, with predictions that one in seven Bangladeshis will be displaced by 2050.

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump has been meddling in foreign elections more openly than any previous US president. Trump has used social media to endorse right-wing candidates in countries such as Honduras, Poland, and Argentina. The Trump administration has also rolled back efforts to promote democracy overseas, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructing embassies to avoid commenting on the legitimacy of foreign elections. Experts say Trump's approach is unique in that he is motivated by personal relationships with right-wing leaders rather than geostrategic reasons. The article also notes that Trump's actions mirror his approach to US elections, where he has refused to accept the results of the 2020 election and has been charged with trying to overturn the results in Georgia.

Finland's unemployment rate has soared to one of the highest in the EU, posing a challenge to the country's welfare model. The economy has struggled to recover since the 2008 financial crisis, with stagnating exports, weak consumer demand, and geopolitical uncertainty. The right-wing government has implemented public spending cuts, which have led to staff reductions in the public sector. Experts warn that the austerity measures are dismantling the welfare model and exacerbating social inequality. The long-term unemployed, people with uncertain job security, and young people are the most affected groups.

Thieves stole 450kg of snails worth €90,000 (S$135,500) from L'Escargot Des Grands Crus farm in Bouzy, France's Champagne region, between November 23 and 24. The snails were destined for fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in France for Christmas deliveries. The farm breeds 350,000 snails annually and the theft has caused significant disruption to their supply chain. The owner, Jean-Mathieu Dauvergne, believes the theft was carried out by an organized network and has turned to fellow farmers for help. Eleven snail farmers have agreed to sell some of their stock to Dauvergne at a reduced price to help him restock for the holiday season.

A long-lost painting by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, has been sold at an auction in Versailles for $2.7 million. The painting was recently discovered in a private townhouse in Paris and was authenticated by the Rubenianum, the Rubens committee in Antwerp. The artwork was initially thought to be from one of Rubens' workshops, but scientific analysis confirmed its authenticity. The painting is significant as it shows Christ as a dead body on the cross, which Rubens rarely depicted. The sale is part of a recent flurry of high-profile art sales, including works by Auguste Renoir, Frida Kahlo, and Gustav Klimt.

Oxford University Press has chosen 'rage bait' as its word of the year for 2025, describing online content designed to provoke anger or outrage to drive traffic to social media accounts. The term reflects the internet's shift from sparking curiosity to manipulating emotions. Lexicographers analyzed new words and language usage to identify 'rage bait' as a culturally significant term. Other contenders for the word of the year included 'aura farming' and 'biohack'. The selection highlights the growing awareness of online manipulation tactics and the impact of social media algorithms on user engagement.

Spanish police have dismantled a cell of 'The Base', a U.S.-founded neo-Nazi group designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the European Union, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The group operates through a decentralized network of paramilitary cells aiming to perpetrate attacks and prepare for a 'race war'. Three suspects were arrested, including the leader, who was in direct contact with the group's founder, Rinaldo Nazzaro. The suspects were highly radicalized, had trained using paramilitary techniques, and had encouraged violent acts. The police seized firearms, ammunition, and neo-Nazi paraphernalia during raids.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity. The guidelines suggest that GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults for long-term treatment of obesity, except for pregnant women, and recommend intensive behavioral therapy alongside the use of the medications. The WHO considers GLP-1 drugs a 'scientific breakthrough' and a 'new chapter' in the treatment of obesity, which affects over 1 billion people globally. However, the recommendations are conditional due to limited data on the medications' long-term efficacy and safety.

The article discusses a new YouTube series called 'Hotspots' that showcases the work of Sky News correspondents in hostile environments around the world. The series features Stuart Ramsay and Alex Crawford discussing their experiences and the stories they've covered, including being shot at in Syria and navigating gang-controlled streets in Haiti. The article highlights the importance of their work and the risks they take to deliver news from the frontlines.

Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old man, appeared in a New York court for an evidence hearing related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione watched surveillance videos of the killing and was unemotional. His lawyers are seeking to bar evidence, including a 9mm handgun and a notebook with descriptions of intent to harm a health insurance executive, from his trial. The defense argues that the evidence was obtained through unconstitutional police conduct. Mangione faces state and federal murder charges, with the federal prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The trial dates have not been set.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that China poses 'real national security threats' to the UK and criticized Brexit as a template for future foreign policy. In a speech at the Guildhall in London, Starmer emphasized the need for a balanced approach towards China, combining national security with economic cooperation. He also attacked politicians with 'corrosive, inward-looking attitudes', singling out Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and Zack Polanski. Starmer defended his plan to visit China in the new year, stating that it is crucial to engage with the world's second-largest economy. The speech was seen as a significant foreign policy address, pleasing those who want a more interventionist approach but potentially alienating 'China hawks' and Brexiteers.

A UK special forces unit operating in Afghanistan allegedly had a 'deliberate policy' to kill fighting-aged males even when they posed no threat, according to testimony given to an inquiry. A senior officer, codenamed N1466, raised concerns with the director of UK special forces about the policy, but a 'conscious decision' was made to cover it up. The inquiry has heard evidence of potential war crimes, including the shooting of women and children hiding under a mosquito net, and the alleged murder of two young children in their beds. N1466 stated that the unit's actions were not in line with the values of UK special forces and that he was speaking out because 'it's not loyalty to your organisation to stand by and to watch it go down a sewer'.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is becoming increasingly isolated in Latin America as regional allies turn against him. Recent elections in Honduras and St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw the defeat of Maduro's allies, and other countries such as Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil have also distanced themselves from Venezuela. Maduro's remaining allies, including Cuba and Nicaragua, are unlikely to provide significant support in the event of a conflict with the US. The US has been building up its military presence in the Caribbean, with Trump holding a meeting at the White House to discuss next steps on Venezuela. Maduro has responded defantly, but is likely preparing for negotiations.

The article discusses Vientiane, the capital of Laos, as it celebrates 50 years since becoming the center of the Lao Democratic People's Republic. The city is described as a comfortable and pleasant place to live, with a growing economy and a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. The article highlights the city's landmarks, such as the Patuxai Victory Monument and Wat Si Saket temple, and notes the growing tourism industry, particularly among Chinese visitors. It also touches on the challenges faced by the country, including high inflation and a fragile tourism sector.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made a public appearance at a rally in Caracas, dispelling speculation that he had fled amid escalating tensions with the US. CNN's Stefano Pozzebon reported from the rally, where Maduro rallied his supporters. The event marked Maduro's first public appearance in days, putting an end to speculation about his whereabouts.

The White House released a letter from President Trump's physician, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, stating that Trump's 'advanced imaging tests' showed he was in 'excellent overall health.' However, medical experts expressed confusion and skepticism about the tests, questioning their necessity and the lack of clarity around what they entailed. The tests were part of Trump's semiannual physical exam in October, and the results were released after Trump made a comment about Governor Tim Walz's intelligence on NBC News.

The Trump administration has fired eight immigration judges in New York City, bringing the total number of fired judges in the city to 14 and nationwide to around 90. The firings are part of a broader effort to accelerate deportations and have been criticized by union officials and former judges, who suggest that the administration is targeting judges who are considered too lenient. The move has been seen as an attempt to create a climate of fear among remaining judges, potentially impacting their impartiality. The firings have been met with criticism from those who argue that the judges were doing their jobs fairly and following the rule of law. The Trump administration has vowed to ramp up deportation efforts in New York, criticizing the city's sanctuary policies.

The article discusses President Trump's intervention in the Honduran presidential election, where he alleged fraud without evidence. The election was closely contested between two right-wing candidates, Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla. Trump's comments sparked controversy, despite election officials urging calm and patience as they finished counting votes by hand. The article highlights the electoral process in Honduras, where votes are initially reported digitally and then verified by hand, leading to a delay in the results. International observers noted that the election had few issues, and the nation remained calm despite the close margin.

The Supreme Court is set to hear a case involving a faith-based pregnancy center, First Choice Women's Resource Centers, which is challenging an investigation into whether it misled people to discourage abortions. The center, known as a 'crisis pregnancy center,' is arguing that the investigation is baseless and threatens their First Amendment rights. The case has implications for the balance between protecting women's reproductive rights and the rights of organizations that oppose abortion.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that U.S. air travelers without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee starting in February. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant with the REAL ID requirement, which has been in effect since May. Travelers without a REAL ID will be able to verify their identity through the TSA's 'Confirm.ID' system, but paying the fee does not guarantee verification. The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport or at the airport before entering the security line.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's promise to 'work, work, work, work, and work' has been chosen as the country's catchphrase of the year. The phrase, made just before she took office in October, was met with criticism due to Japan's notorious demanding work culture. Takaichi's remarks were seen as insensitive, particularly by lawyers representing people who have died from karoshi, or death from overwork. Despite this, Takaichi claimed her comments were misinterpreted and that she was simply trying to convey her determination to be an effective leader. The award's organizers selected the phrase from a shortlist of other phrases that captured Japan's zeitgeist in 2025.

A 32-year-old New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly swallowing a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy egg pendant worth over $33,500 at an Auckland jewellery store. The man was arrested inside the store after police were called on Friday afternoon. The pendant, made from 18-karat gold and decorated with diamonds and sapphires, has not been recovered. The man was also charged with stealing an iPad from the same store and cat litter and flea treatment from a private address. He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on December 8.